If you like jalapenos, you’ll love these healthy recipes with them. They’re easy to make and delicious, too!
These are the perfect snacks for a game day party or for a quick and easy dinner. And they’re packed with protein!
1. Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Jalapeno popper chicken is a delicious way to switch up your regular chicken dinners. It features juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with a creamy topping and cheddar cheese, along with bits of bacon and roasted jalapenos. This is a comforting meal that everyone will love. It is also easy to make, and can be served as a weeknight dinner or for any party!
Start by preheating the oven to 375 F. Then, lightly spray a 13×9 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Layer the shredded cooked chicken in the dish and top with big dollops of the cream cheese mixture. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
You can also use store-bought bacon bits to save time! However, I prefer to make my own to ensure the best flavor. I find that it takes just a few minutes to cook fresh in the oven or air fryer for crispy results.
Next, scoop out the seeds and membranes from the peppers to tame their spice level. This will help keep your kids from eating too many of the hot peppers!
Once you have filled the peppers with the cream cheese and cheddar cheese filling, dip each in beaten egg whites. Then, place them on a prepared baking sheet and wire rack. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Serve the casserole with any variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, Cajun rice, or a nice house salad. It is a great meal to serve during the week, especially for those who are trying to stick to a healthy diet. It is low in carbs, gluten free, and even keto-friendly!
2. Jalapeno Popper Burgers
Jalapenos are one of the most flavorful peppers in the world, with a zingy kick that’s hard to beat. They’re a perfect addition to Mexican cuisine, but they also add deliciously spicy flavor to burgers, eggs, and even brunch cocktails.
If you’re looking for a burger that’s infused with fresh, bold jalapenos and stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, look no further than this recipe for Jalapeno Popper Burgers! The burger is juicy, full of flavor and a great way to spice up your next cookout!
This burger is low carb and keto friendly. It’s a delicious, easy to make dinner that your family will love!
The burgers are topped with a cheesy jalapeno cream cheese spread and are grilled until they’re warm and melty. They’re then served in a soft bun with melted sharp cheddar cheese and your favorite burger toppings!
These jalapeno popper burgers are super easy to make and are a fun appetizer for any burger party! They’re made with halved jalapenos and stuffed with cheesy cream cheese, garlic powder and cheddar. Then they’re dipped in egg whites and covered in breadcrumbs before baking.
You can serve these burgers on their own in a lettuce wrap or with a soft bun topped with melted cheddar cheese and your favorite burger toppings. They’re also a Whole30 option!
These low carb and keto friendly fried jalapeno cheddar poppers are an easy to make appetizer for any burger party. The fried jalapeno cheddar poppers can be baked in the oven, or they can be cooked on the air fryer for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
3. Jalapeno Popper Salad
Jalapenos are a great way to add flavor and spice to your meals. They’re also an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, so they help keep your body healthy and strong.
If you love a good jalapeno popper, you’ll be happy to learn that they are easy to make at home. Just a few simple ingredients make these delicious bites of joy.
A spin on your favorite jalapeno popper, these baked bites are topped with a cheesy and spicy filling that will have you licking your fingers. They’re easy to prep ahead and perfect for lunches or dinners!
These Jalapeno Popper Salads are a quick and easy Whole30 lunch that is perfect for those days when you want something a little spicy to keep you going until dinner time. They’re made with chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese and have all the delicious flavors of a classic jalapeno popper.
You can even add chopped bacon to this salad for an extra kick of flavor! This is a super easy and healthy Whole30 meal that’s sure to be a hit!
Another recipe that incorporates jalapenos is this easy chicken salad. It’s easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect midweek meal or snack.
This simple, yet satisfying, dish is packed with the flavor of jalapenos, green onions, and cheddar cheese! It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful Whole30 lunch that you can prepare ahead of time.
This creamy jalapeno popper macaroni salad is the perfect side for your next barbecue or potluck. It’s filled with cheddar cheese, roasted jalapenos, and bacon!
4. Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
Jalapeno poppers are a party favorite, and these bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers make the perfect appetizer. They are quick and easy to prepare, and you can even make them ahead of time for your next get-together.
These stuffed jalapenos are cheesy and spicy in the center, with crispy bacon on the outside! The filling is made with cream cheese and a shredded Mexican cheese blend, and you can also add green onions for an added kick.
To make these stuffed jalapenos, you will first need to prepare the peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise and then removing all of the seeds and membranes. You will want to use food prep gloves when preparing the peppers, as the skin can become very hot and irritated.
Then you will want to fill each jalapeno with a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture, making sure that it is evenly distributed throughout each pepper half. Once you have filled all of the peppers, wrap them in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Arrange the stuffed jalapenos on a prepared baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy, 25 to 35 minutes.
These stuffed jalapenos are a great make-ahead snack, and you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. They are also delicious when reheated in the oven. You can serve them with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
5. Jalapeno Poppers with Cheese
Jalapenos are the perfect make-ahead appetizer for any game day or tailgating event. They’re easy to prep and bake, and pair well with a variety of dips. They’re a healthy snack that can also be made gluten free or low-fat.
For a cheesy spin on these classic appetizers, stuff them with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Panko bread crumbs. Then bake them until they’re golden and delicious.
Use any type of cheese that you prefer — you can even add bacon to the filling for a more savory flavor! For a healthier version, try using a light cream cheese or Swiss cheese.
Wear gloves while cutting the jalapenos, and don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. This is especially important if you’re not used to working with hot peppers.
To make the poppers, first cut the peppers in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and membranes. You can use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to do this. Then, fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese and cheese mixture. Then, top each with a little more cheese and some chives or other garnishes of your choice.
Aside from dipping in garlic aioli or ranch sauce, these are just as delicious served with a bowl of salsa. They’re also a great make-ahead appetizer for any party, and you can easily freeze them before baking.
You can also serve these jalapeno poppers with a simple green goddess dressing. This Mexican-inspired dressing uses cilantro, green onions, and jalapenos to add a little zest to your salads. It’s the perfect combination of flavor and healthiness!